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2015 Wrap – Top Records

Now comes the time for our Top Records Wrap of the year, featuring records that have been a long time coming, and others that have unexpectedly blown us away.

GEMMA

Methyl Ethel – Oh Inhuman Spectacle

These guys are an out and out standout of 2015. I managed to catch these guys at a number of shows throughout the year, including Bigsound in Brisbane and CMJ in New York City, and every single time they managed to blow my mind. This impressive live set is reflected tenfold in their debut record.

Art Of Sleeping – Shake Shiver

Oh brother, what a relief it was when Art Of Sleeping finally released their debut album early in the year. The only thing making it better was the calibre of the record itself. From intense tracks like ‘Voodoo’ right down to a personal favourite ‘Burning Bright’, Art Of Sleeping genuinely made one of the most important Australian records of the year.

Gang Of Youths – The Positions

Yeah, there’s not a whole lot left to be said here, except that this emotion-riddled masterpiece deserves all the praise it gets.

Foals – What Went Down

When Foals dropped three beyond great singles in the lead up to this record, there was a fear that the album itself wouldn’t match the hype. How glad am I that fear was completely unwarranted.

SOAK. – Before We Forgot How To Dream

I have just so much love for this album. SOAK. is honest and raw in her songwriting, and that is all conveyed in this record. Songs like ‘Hailstones Don’t Hurt’ and ‘Blud’ are so mature and well-executed that the fact that she is just 18 continues to impress.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Holy Holy – When The Storms Would ComeGold Class – It’s YouPatrick James – OutlierJosh Pyke – But For All These Shrinking HeartsAu.RA – Jane’s Lament

ROCHELLE

Jamie XX – In Colour

The long awaited debut record from Jamie XX (of famed trio, The XX, obv) hit the spot well and truly. Produced over 5 years and spawning 5 incredible singles, In Colour was the innovative electronic record we all needed.

Marlon Williams – Marlon Williams

Retrospective and inventive, Marlon William’s debut is a gorgeously assembled smattering of folk, county, blues, roots and soul – teamed with lyrics which make you feel all the things.

City Calm Down – In A Restless House

This record was three years in the making – and with every listen you can tell why. Instrumentation that’s almost cinematic, a vulnerable rawness and emotional songwriting. A big debut record from the Melbourne band.

Circa Waves – Young Chasers

I loved this album on the first listen because of the immediate and obvious comparisons it struck with The Wombats’ earlier albums. However, on further listens, it began to stand on it’s own feet. A high energy, fast paced indie rock and pop hybrid gem of a record, with riffs for days.

Basenji – Trackpad

Australia’s electronic music scene is one of the most exciting in the world right now – and this became even more evident with one listen of Basenji’s Trackpad EP. Packed full of genius production and exciting collaborations, Basenji further cements his position as one of the most clever and innovative producers pushing the genre forward.